BAA Awards $50K Grant For Heath and Wellness Project At MLK Jr. School In Dorchester

Related Tags:

BOSTON (CBS) – The runners of the Boston Marathon may have crossed the finish line last month, but the Boston Athletic Association is still very busy honoring the 125th anniversary of the storied race.

The B.A.A. has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Boston Chapter of Links, Incorporated, who is kicking off a three-year program with the Martin Luther King Jr. K-8 school in Dorchester to provide health and wellness programs for the school.

The “Fit for the King: A Health and Wellness Project” will create and offer a menu of comprehensive fitness, nutrition, and health and wellness programming for the King School community, aimed to get both students and parents involved in promoting healthy living.

“The Boston Chapter of Links is excited to work with the King School as part of our signature program,” said Pamela Everhart, President of the Boston Chapter of Links, Inc., “The program is part of our mission, to provide volunteer services in arts, youth, international and national trends that work to strengthen families and communities.”

The B.A.A.’s contribution will include funding recreation activity during recess, before and after school, equipment to be used by the school and physical education programs, and an in-school running club.

“We are happy to be partnering with the Links and Boston Public Schools on such a great program that promises to make a difference in the lives of these students and families,” said B.A.A. President Joann Flaminio. “Our objectives in this, our 125th anniversary year, include renewing our commitment to youth athletics.”

A kick-off for the project is set for Saturday, May 12th at 10:00am at the King School. Boston Superintendent Carol Johnson and King School Principal Jessica Bolt will join Flaminio and Everhart on Saturday when Links unveils their plans for the next three years, and celebrate the new project with a celebration that includes fitness, music and arts, and even some face painting.

The “Fit for the King: A Health and Wellness Project” will be supported by volunteer hours provided by members of Links, Inc. as part of their commitment to community service.